The Natchez Trace Parkway extends an impressive 444 miles from Natchez, MS to Nashville, TN. It was named one of the most visited units of the National Park System last year. From traveling, hiking, biking, its history, the attractions and its beauty, it’s safe to say the Natchez Trace is one of Mississippi’s, Alabama’s and Tennessee’s best-kept secrets.

If you’re planning to hit the road this summer instead of worry with pricey airfares, we say that’s an excellent choice to make. The Natchez Trace Parkway leads you 444 miles through three states and 10,000 years of North American history, and has everything you’ve ever wanted in road trip, plus more! In fact, CNN Money just named the Natchez Trace Parkway one of six great American road trips.

For the second year, the Natchez Trace Parkway was named as a category winner for the best hiking destination in Mississippi. The winners were chosen by a reader survey highlighted in the July/August issue of Mississippi Magazine.

You can join a park ranger for stories, songs, and fun around a campfire on Saturday, July 12, 2014, at 7:30 p.m. This one hour program will meet at the Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail Trailhead near milepost 266 on the Natchez Trace Parkway.

The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our country’s independence and spend time with loved ones. While you are traveling the Natchez Trace Parkway this 4th of July to enjoy a barbecue, shoot fireworks, take a boat ride or attend a parade, don’t forget to take in all the beauty along the Parkway.

If you find yourself on the Natchez Trace in need of a refreshing activity this summer, we suggest you check out the Bear Creek near Tishomingo in Northeastern Mississippi.

Receiving more than 69 percent of the final round votes, Franklin, TN, is the winner of the 2014 Greatest Southern Towns Bracket, hosted by Garden & Gun Magazine! Thirty-two towns were pitted against each other in this NCAA style bracket and more than 1.3 million votes were cast.